Visual Design Specialist

Swarthmore College is a highly selective liberal arts college located in the suburbs of Philadelphia, whose mission combines academic rigor with social responsibility. Swarthmore has a strong institutional commitment to inclusive excellence and nondiscrimination in its educational program and employment practices and encourages candidates who will further advance the goal of fostering a diverse and inclusive community. As one of the nation’s finest institutions of higher learning, Swarthmore College is global in outlook and draws students from around the nation and world. The 425‐acre campus is a designated arboretum, complete with gardens, rolling lawns, a creek, wooded hills, and hiking trails in the Crum Woods. Swarthmore College was recently ranked number 3 in the 2021 US News Best National Liberal Arts Colleges rankings - https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/swarthmore-college-3370.

Who We Are: We are a creative and talented group of communications pros who work hard and have fun doing it. We’re committed to informing, inspiring, and engaging our communities by telling compelling, creative, consistent, and authentic stories that support and amplify the College’s mission and values.

The opportunity: The Visual Design Specialist is a creative, innovative graphic designer with a focus on and deep expertise in digital design. The person in this role tells stories through the creation of innovative, creative, and compelling visual content across myriad channels, including for use in social media, on the College’s website, in videos, for digital marketing campaigns, presentation material, and in print material.

Reporting to the Director of Content Strategy, the Visual Design Specialist will focus primarily on digital design and external marketing projects, specifically admissions and advancement material. The individual in this role will also work collaboratively with the Associate Director of Design on various initiatives.

• Create compelling, engaging visual content — ranging from infographics, GIFs, animations, assets for video, digital banner ads, digital and printed posters, e-newsletter headers, and others — for use in various digital and print platforms that supports the Communications Office and College’s strategic priorities.
• Conceive of and execute creative concepts that support, complement, and/or strengthen the Communications Office's storytelling efforts and goals.
• Serve as the lead designer on priority marketing material, with a primary focus on advancement and admissions material.
• Coordinate with external vendors on paper selection, print production schedules, etc.
• Take direction and work on assignments to develop visual content that complements the work of others in the office.
• Contribute to the creation of digital templates for e-newsletters, websites, and presentation material (e.g., PowerPoint, Google Slides, Prezi).
• In collaboration with the Director of Content Strategy, the Associate Director of Design, and other members of the Communications Office, ensure visual content adheres to the College’s creative and brand standards, and work closely with campus partners to maintain visual identity and brand standards.
• Stay abreast of trends and innovations in design broadly, and their application in higher education.
• Contribute to a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and development of skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds.

What you bring:

• At least three years of professional graphic design experience and bachelor’s degree in graphic design or related field;
• Ability to create engaging visual content — ranging from infographics, GIFs, animations, assets for video, digital banner ads, digital and printed posters, e-newsletter headers, and others — for use in various digital and print platforms that supports the Communications Office and College’s strategic priorities.
• Ability to conceive of and execute creative concepts that support, complement, and/or strengthen the Communications Office's storytelling efforts and goals;
• Demonstrated knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite apps, including but not limited to Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, and Adobe Express;
• Demonstrated knowledge of the principles, software, and practices in the fields of print, digital, and multimedia design;
• Knowledge of color, layout, aesthetics, and balance in print and digital design;
• Knowledge of paper and printing terminology and technologies; experience with printing industry practices;
• Ability to present and articulate design concepts and creative vision to colleagues;
• Strong time management and organizational skills

What You Will Get:

You’ll work at one of the world's most renowned liberal arts Colleges, with incredible benefits, a stunning 420-acre campus, and a hybrid work environment. And you’ll join an award-winning team of passionate, creative, and supportive people who work hard and have fun telling the College’s story to the world.

If you are excited about this role, we want to hear from you!

For full consideration, submit applications including resume and cover letter with pay expectations by Friday, August 12, 2022.

Swarthmore College actively seeks and welcomes applications from candidates with exceptional qualifications, particularly those with demonstrable commitments to a more inclusive society and world. Swarthmore College is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.

Advertised: Jul 22 2022 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: